- Writing ink is a mixture of dyes, solvents, pigments and water. In most cases these ingredients are completely harmless. However, if ingested in large amounts over 1 oz., some types of ink, such as tattoo ink and printer ink, can be harmful. Despite popular belief, ink poisoning cannot occur by simple exposure to the skin, unless tainted with other harmful substances.
- Printer ink is one of the most common ways that ink poisoning can occur. This is because of the additional ingredient of P-Anisidine, which gives the ink its pigmentation. If swallowed in large enough portions, this ink can cause headaches, and in very large doses, nervous system damage. This historically has only happened to those who work around large amounts of printer ink such as ink manufacturers or printing companies. Ink may also cause painful side effects if exposed to the eye.
- If enough ink is ingested to cause ink poisoning, your should immediately take the affected individual to an emergency room. Before entering the emergency room, be sure to document what was ingested, how much was ingested and when it was ingested. If you have any further questions about ink poisoning, you can call the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.
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